Monk Realist MTG Card
1998-10-12 - Number 21
2011-06-17 - Number 20
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Monk Cleric |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
When Monk Realist comes into play, destroy target enchantment.
"We plant the seeds of doubt to harvest the crop of wisdom."
Cards like Monk Realist
Monk Realist offers a unique touch to the pool of creature cards available to Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts. Sharing some similarities with cards like War Priest of Thune, it has the capability to remove enchantments upon entering the battlefield. Yet, the Monk Realist stands out due to its lower mana cost and a simpler color requirement, which can be particularly advantageous in multicolor decks that prioritize mana flexibility.
There’s also Keening Apparition in the comparison mix. Like Monk Realist, it serves a similar purpose in dealing with enchantments. However, while Keening Apparition requires a sacrifice to execute its ability, Monk Realist’s ability is inherent, providing a one-time enchantment removal without needing additional resources or conditions. This can be a game changer in matches where tempo and board presence are key, offering utility without compromising the player’s position.
In evaluating Monk Realist alongside its counterparts, we see a card that certainly holds its ground. It combines ease of casting with practical enchantment control, making it a subtly powerful choice for players seeking to enhance their decks with reliable enchantment removal.
Cards similar to Monk Realist by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Monk Realist offers a versatile approach to maintaining card flow in your hand. Its ability to potentially return an enchantment card from your graveyard to your hand can swing the game by providing access to powerful spells you’ve used before. This can especially turn the tables if you have enchantments with significant impact on the board state, further solidifying your position in the match.
Resource Acceleration: This card could shine in decks that focus on ramping up resources. With its casting cost and abilities, the Monk Realist could serve as a key cog in the machine, helping you play your more costly spells ahead of curve. Getting ahead on resources can be a critical factor in gaining the upper hand against your opponents.
Instant Speed: Instant speed spells are the ace up a player’s sleeve, and having such capabilities in a card like the Monk Realist opens up a world of strategic depth. It allows you to react during your opponent’s turn, keeping them guessing and disrupting their strategies. This can be particularly clutch when you’re looking to optimize your turns by making the most out of your mana each round, responding to threats efficiently or setting up for a big play on your turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Monk Realist’s abilities come with a catch – discarding a card. This mechanic can strain your hand especially when you need all the resources you can keep. For players who rely on a full grip of options, this requirement might feel like giving up too much for the benefits the card provides.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a precise blend of mana, which can clash with more flexible mana bases. Decks that spread across multiple colors may find it challenging to meet the color-specific demands, potentially causing the Monk Realist to sit idle in hand until the necessary mana is drawn.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost to bring the Monk Realist into the fray might not measure up favorably against other options. While its abilities can be potent, the mana investment required can set back your game tempo, making it an expensive choice when facing opponents who are putting more efficient creatures into play or casting spells that have an immediate impact on the board.
Reasons to Include Monk Realist in Your Collection
Versatility: Monk Realist is a card that can seamlessly adapt to various deck strategies, especially those requiring enchantment removal. Its utility makes it a valuable addition for players who appreciate cards that can serve multiple purposes within a game.
Combo Potential: Given its ability to dismantle key enchantments, Monk Realist can be the linchpin in combos that disrupt your opponent’s plans. It works well in tandem with cards that capitalize on a clear battlefield or require the removal of problematic enchantments to prevail.
Meta-Relevance: With decks frequently relying on enchantments for their synergies, Monk Realist could be a crucial inclusion. As the game evolves and enchantment-based strategies gain traction, having Monk Realist in your arsenal ensures you’re never at a disadvantage against such decks.
How to beat
The Monk Realist can create challenging situations on the battlefield for any Magic: The Gathering player. This card, with its ability to untap and ramp up its power, demands immediate attention when it hits the board. To overcome the Monk Realist, one effective strategy involves removing it quickly before it can fully exploit its abilities. Fast removal spells, such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile, can effectively deal with this creature before its benefits can manifest.
Another approach is to sideline the Monk Realist with enchantments or artifacts that prevent it from untapping. Cards like Pacifism or Claustrophobia render it virtually inert, nullifying the threat without having to remove it directly from the game. Sideboard strategies, such as including creature-targeting spells or enchantments that limit abilities, can pre-emptively address the challenge posed by this versatile creature.
In the dynamic environment of Magic: The Gathering, adapting to combat specific threats like the Monk Realist is crucial for maintaining control. Incorporating timely disruption and targeted control measures into your gameplay can neutralize this card’s impact and keep you one step ahead.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Monk Realist MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and Commander 2011, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Monk Realist and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Monk Realist Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2011-06-17. Illustrated by Daren Bader.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-10-12 | Urza's Saga | USG | 21 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Daren Bader | |
| 2 | 2011-06-17 | Commander 2011 | CMD | 20 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Daren Bader |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Monk Realist has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |